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The Classified Guys: Should I choose a big-box store or a specialty store for home improvement supplies?

By Duane 'Cash' Holze and Todd 'Carry' Holze The Classified Guys

Posted:
07/10/2010 12:01:00 AM CDT

Updated:
07/27/2010 01:52:57 PM CDT

Dear Classified Guys,

Ever since my wife and I bought a house a few years ago, my "honey-do" list has grown out of sight. There's always something that my wife thinks needs to be painted, replaced or upgraded. So let me just say...I LOVE the services section of the classifieds. I've been able to find someone for every job from cleaning the gutters to fixing the siding, replacing our windows and sealing the driveway. I even found someone to put up and take down my Christmas lights last year. Now that's the spirit! However, when I hire a contractor and mention that I shop at one of the national home improvement stores for all the things I need, some of them tend to groan or roll their eyes. To be honest, I like those places. They always have what I need, so I'm not sure why contractors feel that way. Is there something these contractors know that I don't?

Cash: The "honey-do" list is an amazing thing. As any husband will tell you, when you hang it on the refrigerator, it can grow automatically!

Carry: Fortunately, you may have stumbled upon the best solution, which is hire someone else to do the list. Although, hopefully you at least decorate your own Christmas tree!

Cash: When it comes to home improvement shopping, you're bound to get a lot of differing opinions. Everyone has their take on the best places to shop. However, it's difficult to beat the variety of products offered at a large home improvement store.

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Where else can you buy grass seed, light bulbs and a toilet all in one place?

Carry: For some contractors who specialize in areas like siding, windows or plumbing, you may find that they have distributors they prefer to use that can offer them either a wider variety or special discounted prices. Since they may have special accounts or deal in large volumes with the distributors, those types of outlets work out best for them.

Cash: Often times, large home improvement centers stock only one or two manufactures of a specific item. That can be limiting for people in business. By working with distributors, contractors can offer their customers a larger variety of options depending on the budget and preferences. However, it's likely the contractors still use the home improvement centers to round out what they need.

Carry: So whether you choose to do the job yourself or hire it out, it sounds like you already have a good solution. Although there is one job you should always personally do...shop for your wife's present!

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READER HUMOR

Walking the Aisle

Working at a home improvement store allows me to meet all sorts of people. Some are regulars, some are weekend warriors and others are just browsing for ideas. But last week, I met a new kind of customer.

A woman came in the store, looking rather well dressed, and walked through the lumber department. Then she circled down through plumbing, paint, hardware and finally back to lumber. As she passed me, I asked if she needed assistance finding anything.

"I do," she said happily. "Do you happen to know a good handyman?"

"I know quite a few," I replied. "What qualifications are you looking for?"

Leaning in to me she whispered, "I'm trying to find one that's single!"